June 13: This is when the trouble began. Two workers removed part of the facing at 208-210 Locust Street to inspect a support beam, and in doing so weakened the structure, thus precipitating a visit from emergency services and Belfor Property Restorations. The area was subsequently cordoned off and the facade reinforced. This is when the issue came into widespread public attention.
At the time, no one thought to close this open attic window, where rainwater had entered routinely, in the process potentially weakening the structure and causing a wall to bulge. The window had been open for months (years?), and is still open even now.
Bricks near the peak have fallen out.
Creeping incrementalism: The structure continues to settle, and bricks continue to fall. The first photo in this series, dated July 19, was taken over a month after emergency personnel had responded to the scene and the facade had been reinforced inside by Belfor Property Restorations. Since then, the building continues to crumble, even as Flagger Force workers sit it out on the 200 block of Locust and town officials sleep soundly in their beds. Why is there no sense of urgency?
I agree that the borough has legal issues regarding their ability to act, however this building has been a problem for years. When was the last time anyone occupied this structure? Is there an inspection process for vacant buildings? And yes, one person, Bigler, has created a mess for many...truck drivers, neighbors, businesses. Essentially he is in control now.
ReplyDeletemost likely because NO ONE in the Boro has the experience, knowledge or approval to do what has to be done! I certainly hope this is NOT in the hands of code dept who has already done more damage than we'll ever know.
ReplyDeletecode dept is a joke. council knows it and did nothing. yes, please tell us about the REQUIRED RENTAL INSPECTIONS.
ReplyDeleteIt's because Council is afraid of his lawyers and they don't have the backbone or the BALLS to stand up for the citizens who pay the outrageous taxes in this town. I heard a person say on Saturday that this is a "TOWN WITHOUT PITY"
ReplyDeletewho is this Sam Bigler? the Olympian?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I'm told - yes, one and the same.
Delete